MINUTES of OLLI BOARD MEETING MAY 17, 2012, 10: A

MINUTES OF OLLI BOARD MEETING AUGUST 23, 2012, 10: a.m.

Attendees: Chris Le Maistre, Fred DeJarlais, Inga Hoffmann, Florence Orenstein, Nancy Thomas, Nancy Mead, Steve Zaslaw, Lois Widom, Phyllis Wood, Sally Lester, Corinne Miller, Mark Gordon

Minutes: Nancy Thomas

The May 17 minutes were approved as submitted.

President’s Comments: Chris Le Maistre

1. Chris introduced Sally Lester as our new Liaison with STARS. Corinne Miller was thanked for her long service with OLLI and STARS. She was welcomed as a new member-at-large.

2. 2012 OLLI Conference in Colorado Springs: Lois Widom is working on her presentation. Other Board members said they would be glad to help her with it if she needs it. Since Harry Hanson has resigned as Vice President, Florence Orenstein volunteered to go with Lois to the conference.

3. Chris brought up various UCSC fund raising requests he has begun to receive. After some discussion Nancy Mead made this motion: “In cases when we are asked by the University to help with special projects, such as Dreamweavers, etc., at our discretion we will post a notice in our newsletter and/or website to inform members who might wish to volunteer their help.” Seconded and passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report: None at this time.

Courses: Lois Widom

1. Lois reported Professor Isebill Gruhn will give a lecture before and a lecture after the election. The fall classes are listed in the September newsletter.

2. Lois also said Bob Kraft may do a class. Julie Olsen Edwards may do a class about her mother, Tillie Olson, who is a poet. Bruce Rosenblum may have a class on “The Quantum Enigma.”

Speaker Program: Fred DeJarlais

1. Fred has contacted many individuals and has had a better response for spring programs. He does have Ron Duncan of the Soquel Water District for October. He will speak about water demand in the County and desalination.

2. Fred reported Nichole Paiement has cancelled her April talk due to conflict with rehearsals.

1 3. Fred has John Jordan of the Dickens Project for November and for January Professor Charles Hedrick on Greek and Roman History. He has talked with Bruce Daniels of MIT. He will have Professor Michael Mateas in the spring. The Director of Women studies Lizbeth Haas and Dr. James Hines, a research oceanographer are also possibilities.

4. Mark Gordon noted that he appreciates how difficult Fred’s job is to contact and obtain commitments with speakers.

Interest Groups: Phyllis Wood

1. Fred DeJarlais offered to prepare new signs for the September meeting. The signs will be mounted on foam core and easels. Phyllis will let Fred know how many she needs.

2. Chris Le Maistre said each group leader will not speak but he will put up a slide on the screen with a list of interest groups

Membership: Florence Orenstein reported for Ruth Keeley that she needs to know about a new payment plan for membership. Chris would like to have everyone start their membership in September. In February he would like to have a half-fee membership for new members. Steve Zaslaw said he could put the new coupon in the February issue of the newsletter. But in the brochure we would have only the full membership. Questions were asked if we would change the coupon on the web. And also, would we change the interest groups to half-fee in February? We will review later and not implement until February of next year.

Facilities and Hospitality: Mark Gordon

Mark reported that the Stevenson venue we usually use may not be available for our September meeting due to possible repairs. He will look at other venues at Stevenson, including outside in the patio. Sally Lester will talk to Yuta Sano (building manager).

Some people have complained about the facilities at Stevenson but so far it is still the best place. Corinne Miller mentioned the media center or main theater might be used.

Publications: Steve Zaslaw

1. Steve was congratulated on doing such a great job on the newsletter.

2. Steve wanted to know how many newsletters to have at the September meeting. Lois Widom said that we need to be sure that there is a procedure for people with limited means to become members of OLLI without paying the fees. Chris LeMaistre said such persons should contact Ruth Keeley (membership chair) and the president will decide depending on the circumstances.

Events: Florence Orenstein

Florence reported she has had 69 answers to the invitation to the Recognition Dinner. She has notified the caterer to reduce the number expected to 80. She thinks the response was

2 disappointing. She believes we need a more formal system on whom to invite. Some people (such as past presidents, etc.) were almost forgotten.

The entertainment will be provided by Nancy Mead’s grandson who plays the guitar.

Publicity: A person for this job is still needed.

STARS: Sally Lester Sally said she will need the names of course leaders from Lois Widom. She said she will be using Complete Mail Service for copying services.

The next Board meeting will be on September 13, 2012

Meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.